Common wonder gecko (Teratoscincus scincus)

Short answers

Common wonder gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×50×50 cm for one animal; deep substrate they can dig in (at least 10–15 cm).

Common wonder gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot 32–35 °C (local warm spot), at night 18–22 °C.

Common wonder gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential (crepuscular/nocturnal), a low dose does no harm.

Common wonder gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 10 years (up to ~15).

Common wonder gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–30 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

32–35 °C (local warm spot)

Humidity

40–60 % (mostly dry; one damp digging zone or hide)

UVB

UVB not essential (crepuscular/nocturnal), a low dose does no harm

Enclosure

Minimum size

80×50×50 cm for one animal; deep substrate they can dig in (at least 10–15 cm)

Substrate

Desert sand they can dig in (a sand-loam mix), deep enough to burrow

Feeding

Food

Insects (crickets, roaches, locusts)

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles every other day or daily

Key facts

Adult size

18–20 cm total length (up to 24 cm)

Life expectancy

approx. 10 years (up to ~15)

Origin

Central and western Asia (Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan; sandy deserts and semi-deserts)

Protection status

No CITES; only EU Annex D (concerns import only) – not specially protected, no registration duty

Brumation

Yes – a winter rest or brumation of 2–3 months at ~10–15 °C; they come from a continental climate, so it matters for health and breeding

Cohabitation

Keep them singly, or in a harem (1.1 or one male plus several females) in a large enough enclosure; NEVER keep males together (territorial). Groups only with plenty of space and visual barriers

Notes

Extremely delicate, easily torn skin (the large scales come away) – barely handleable. It needs deep digging substrate and dry conditions with a damp retreat. Plan for a winter rest.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Common wonder gecko (Teratoscincus scincus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Keyserling's wonder gecko (Teratoscincus keyserlingii) – Intermediate
• Przewalski's wonder gecko (Teratoscincus przewalskii) – Intermediate
• Roborowski's wonder gecko (Teratoscincus roborowskii) – Intermediate
• Agusan bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus agusanensis) – Intermediate
• Common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) – Beginner
• Chanhome's bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus chanhomeae) – Intermediate
• Chinese gecko (Gekko chinensis) – Intermediate
• Termite hill gecko (Hemidactylus triedrus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Common wonder gecko (Teratoscincus scincus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×50×50 cm for one animal; deep substrate they can dig in (at least 10–15 cm)), substrate (Desert sand they can dig in (a sand-loam mix), deep enough to burrow), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.